Surgical Treatment: Every muscle is a small powerhouse in your body. They are at play in nearly every activity you do, from lifting heavy, household objects to being able to walk and run gracefully. But among all those muscles we depend on, some are more low-key – until they malfunction.
To use another example, consider the muscles in your pelvic region. For many of us, these hidden muscles quietly support the pelvic organs but, when they weaken, you may find that things start to shift – literally and uncomfortably.
Pelvic organ prolapse, as defined by the National Health Service, is a weakening of your pelvic muscles. When they can no longer hold your organs, Which will cause horrible symptoms
These include sensations such as a dragging sensation in your lower body, to bladder problems. You may not have heard of it but it is more common than you think, particularly following childbirth or menopause.
In surgical treatment of POP, maybe you ask yourself – is it true that popular surgical treatment will be a safe option? That’s the question we are going to try to answer today.
Surgical Treatments for POP
The first thing you need to know about POP is that it is not always so severe. A mild case of POP needs no treatment and can resolve over time with lifestyle changes. However, the POP is at an advanced stage when urgent surgical treatment of the POP is required to reach a better quality of life.
Once it gets to that point, your doctor will go over some surgical options with you, such as
Hysterectomy
This means that uterine prolapse is when the vagina, uterus, legs, arms, and vagina open due to weakness in the skin and ligaments that hold the uterus in place.
If you have this etiology, then a hysterectomy — surgical removal of the uterus —may be indicated. That is a popular option to ease the feeling and fullness of prolapse.
Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy can be performed abdominally, vaginally or laparoscopically. The University of Colorado Urogynecology department often recommends the vaginal option as the best approach. This does not leave an abdominal scar after surgery, which is the number one concern for most women.
This is usually most suited to women who have completed their family or those with debilitating symptoms affecting their quality of life.
Colpocleisis
Colpocleisis is an operative procedure performed for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in which part or all of the vaginal canal is closed. In doing this, it helps support the prolapsed organs, which can relieve the symptoms of pressure, heaviness, and bladder or bowel problems associated with POP.
According to Cleveland Clinic, there are two types of this procedure, total and partial colpocleisis. Colpocleisis involves closing the vaginal canal but maybe a total procedure that closes the entire vaginal canal, or a partial procedure that leaves a small portion of the vaginal canal open. It latter is also advised for women who even have uteruses.
It is suitable for women beyond their sexually active years who desire a permanent treatment of their significant prolapse.
Vaginal Mesh Surgery and its Complications
In the previous section, we covered the surgical options for defining POP as obliterative. You may have noted that these are available only to women whose reproductive wishes are, in a word, over.
What if they do not want to make their reproductive system more complex? The solution is vaginal mesh surgery. It means putting a synthetic mesh with a specially designed mesh inside your body to cradle weakened pelvic muscles and support prolapsed organs in place.
Procedure
The surgeon can also make small incisions through the vaginal wall during this procedure. They insert the mesh as if in a hammock, lifting and anchoring your bladder, uterus, or rectum through these walls. Eventually, mesh is thought to grow into your body’s surrounding tissues, providing greater support.
Yet over the past few years, complications have mounted that have led to a backlash against this surgery. In one instance, covered by BBC in March 2024, a Swansea woman had been charged for a breach of the new law. The mother-of-two, 57, said that intercourse with her husband had become uncomfortable since the operation.
Speaking anonymously, she argued her healthcare provider did not inform her about any such complication. She had been implanted with a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), which was what caused the problem.
Swansea Bay University settled her medical negligence lawsuit, but multiple other vaginal mesh claims are still pending.
According to TorHoerman Law, the product has led to urinary, perforation, infection, and other complications for many patients. Due to these injuries, over 100,000 lawsuits are pending against the mesh.
transvaginal mesh settlement amounts for transvaginal mesh can seem to be anywhere from $150,000 to $400,000, depending on the specifics of each case.
And just like that, it wouldn’t be appropriate to refer to vaginal mesh surgeries as a “safer choice” now would it?
FAQ
What foods can you eat to strengthen your pelvic floor muscle?
Eating a well-balanced diet helps strengthen pelvic floor muscles. You should start to bulk on fiber-rich foods, for instance: new organic products, veggies, entire grains, and vegetables. Eat fish, lentils, beans, and tofu for lean protein, and pile those leafy greens to increase your magnesium.
Should I do Kegel for pelvic organ prolapse?
Yes. In addition to pelvic organ prolapse, Kegel exercises can also be used to treat the condition, and they should be recommended as first-line therapy for pelvic organ prolapse. These workouts can restore your pelvic muscles which were damaged. Although they do not cure POP, they can ease symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.
Is it possible to heal a prolapse naturally?
You cannot naturally reverse a prolapse, but symptoms can also be managed. Doing Kegels to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, staying at a healthy weight, and refraining from heavy lifting can all help. Simple lifestyle improvements serve as a natural remedy to ease discomfort and regain control.
Whether it involves a fancy matchbook stack or a straightforward wooden pallet, identifying your treatment alternatives is empowering in your course of pelvic organ prolapse administration. There are many options, whether Surgical Treatment or natural and each carries unique advantages and risks. Surgeries such as hysterectomy, colpocleisis, or even vaginal mesh may help, but they all come with complications.
The key is doing what best serves your body and lifestyle. Your health is an asset, so make wise choices and be an advocate for yourself at every turn.
